Police to stress train safety

Local law enforcement will conduct an "Officer on a Train" enforcement operation from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at several railroad crossings in Kootenai County.

During enforcement runs, one officer is placed on the lead locomotive of a train as a spotter. The officer observes traffic approaching highway-railroad intersections as the train proceeds down the tracks.

Other officers are parked at specific intersections. When a motorist is observed violating the laws pertaining to highway-rail intersections, the officer on the train radios one of the chase cars, which stops the motorist and issues a citation.

The purpose of the enforcement effort is to increase public awareness of the potential dangers that exist at railroad crossings.

In 2010, Idaho experienced 16 car train collisions resulting in one fatality and four people injured. This year there have been 10 car/train collisions resulting in two people injured and two fatalities. There have also been two pedestrian fatalities.